Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HE Ahmad Farooq, participated as a panelist at a cultural session titled “Shared Voices: Literature and Art as Bridges of Culture and Understanding” during the Riyadh International Book Fair on October 1, 2024.
The event was attended by Saudi youth, literature enthusiasts, and members of civil society, highlighting a growing interest in cultural dialogue.
A Celebration of Shared Culture:
The panel featured an all-Pakistani lineup, including:
-
HE Ahmad Farooq, Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
-
HE Suljuk Tarar, Ambassador to the Netherlands
-
Ms Ameena Saiyid, Founder of the Adab Festival and Karachi Literary Festival
The session was moderated by Mr. Yazed Almulhem and focused on how literature and the arts serve as bridges between nations.
Ambassador Farooq emphasized the deep-rooted cultural, historical, and religious ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. He stated that “cultural affinities bring people together” and highlighted cultural diplomacy as a path to deepening bilateral ties. He also noted the Embassy’s active engagement with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and its 11 cultural commissions, with several joint initiatives currently in development.
The Role of Literature in Cultural Understanding:
Ambassador Suljuk Tarar described books as “mirrors of society” and tools that connect diverse cultures. He advocated for high-quality translations between Arabic and Urdu, stressing that literature can foster mutual respect and understanding across borders.
Art and Literature Break Boundaries:
Ms Ameena Saiyid spoke on the transformative power of literature and art. “They transcend geographical boundaries and promote shared human values such as grief, compassion, love, and resilience,” she noted. Saiyid shared the success story of the Karachi Literary Festival, launched in 2010. Since then, over 100 literary festivals have been held across Pakistan.
She welcomed collaboration with Saudi publishing houses and authors, inviting them to participate in future Pakistani festivals to further enhance literary and cultural exchange.
Messages to Saudi Youth:
The session concluded with heartfelt messages from each panelist, directed at the youth of Saudi Arabia. They encouraged the younger generation to explore literature and cultural exchanges as a means of fostering global harmony and shared understanding.
A Step Toward Deeper Cultural Engagement:
The panel discussion underscored a shared commitment by both nations to promote cultural understanding through literature and the arts. It also reflected Pakistan’s growing role in cultural diplomacy within the region.
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 continues to serve as a vital platform for cross-cultural engagement and dialogue.
